Follow KPCC

Alice Walton

DWP General Manager Ron Nichols is facing questions about the utility's spending on two nonprofits dedicated to improving relations between the utility and its union. At least $40 million in ratepayer money has gone to the two groups, according to the Los Angeles Times. Molly Peterson/KPCC

The Department of Water and Power has directed $40 million to two nonprofit organizations that promote "mutual trust" between the utility and the union that represents most of its employees, reports the Los Angeles Times. The Joint Safety Institute was created in 2000 by then-DWP General Manager David Freeman. "I think it was a good idea then, it resulted in embedding a safety culture," he says.

A proposal to create a Los Angeles city-operated public health department will appear on the June ballot, reports the Daily News. It's estimated it would cost $300 million a year for the city to run its own health department. The measure is sponsored by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation.

Political campaigns throughout California will have to report when they pay someone to post about candidates or ballot measures on blogs, Twitter, Facebook and other websites, according to the Los Angeles Times. The new rule comes from the Fair Political Practices Commission.

Former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez proposed to his girlfriend of six months, a Brazilian bathing suit model, while on vacation in London, reports Capitol Alert.

Pressers

Mayor Eric Garcetti will have a "pop up" Mayor's Help Desk set up curbside in Boyle Heights at 10 a.m.

Previously in Represent!

Represent! is your eye on how well government serves citizens and the public interest in Southern California. KPCC's politics and government team posts frequently on transparency, civic engagement, reform efforts and accountability. We invite your comments and suggestions — follow us on Twitter at the links below.